Gaming smart card

ABSTRACT

A system has been developed which employs a Smart Card which is approximately the size and shape of an ordinary credit card that an individual can carry in their wallet. It contains a Smart Card chip or similar information storage device which contains information by which the person may be identified. It also contains financial information so the user can make purchases and receive credits. Wireless technologies are employed to provide communication between the Smart Card and a card reader. This card can be used in place of chips or coins in casinos and for on-line wagering.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/756,845 filed Jun. 1,2007, which claims benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/810,113filed Jun. 1, 2006. The entire disclosure of the prior application,application Ser. No. 11/756,845 is considered part of the disclosure ofthe accompanying continuation application and is hereby incorporated byreference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No.60/810,113, entitled Gaming Smart Card, filed on Jun. 1, 2006, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In view of the recent rise in gaming activities such as pokertournaments, video poker machines, slot machines, on-line gaming, etc.there is a need for a safe and secure electronic card to enable a personto place wagers and receive credit for winnings for these games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently many of these games require that an individual purchase chipsor tokens which are issued by a casino or other establishment in whichthese games are played. This requires persons wishing to play thesegames go to a “cashier” to purchase the chips or tokens. Thistransaction is time consuming especially when a large number of peopleenter a gaming establishment. Many people use a credit card to purchasethe chips or tokens. Valuable time is spent converting the creditavailable on a person's credit card into credit or chips usable in acasino or gaming establishment. Also, another person has gained accessto an individual's credit account and may use this information forunscrupulous purposes at a later time. Recently a large number of creditcards have been counterfeited which leaves the casino or gamingestablishment unable to collect the debt. Today's population embracesthe use of credit or debit cards without a third party conducting thetransaction. In this manner they fell secure that someone will not gainaccess to their credit or debit card information. Casinos and gamingestablishments also like to keep track of how much an individual spendsat a particular casino so that they may offer the individual rewards,etc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,187, issued to Yu discloses a multi-card reader. Thereader is designed to accept and read different memory cards which havediverse specifications, i.e. shape, thickness, width, length, and pinlocation. Different sized slots located at one end of the card readerallow for the insertion of memory cards having different specifications.Connecting terminals are associated with the different slots so thatwhen a memory card is inserted into the proper slot the connectionterminals will contact the contact elements on the card.

U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2005/0258243, filed by Hsichdiscloses a multi-card reader. The reader is constructed and arranged toaccept a plurality of different memory cards having differentspecifications. One end of the card reader is constructed to accept thedifferent widths of the memory cards. Connecting terminals at located atdifferent positions within the card reader to contact the contactselements of the memory cards. The card reader is also provided with aninformation output 54 at another end of the reader.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,098, issued to Urie et al. discloses an account chipcard used for gaming. The account chip card includes biometric data ofthe player and is linked to a casino's central office. The centraloffice of the casino keeps track of the player's personal information,the player's chips, number of times the player has played differentgames, the player's comps, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system has been developed which employs a card which is approximatelythe size and shape of an ordinary credit card that an individual cancarry in their wallet. It contains a smart card chip or similar devicewhich contains information by which the person may be identified. Italso contains financial information so the user can make purchases andreceive credit. Wireless technologies are employed to providecommunication between the card and a card reader.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide aneasily transportable card which can readily perform financialtransactions.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide an easilytransportable card on which a large variety of information may be storedand retrieved.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide aneasily transportable card with the ability to restrict access to certaininformation stored on the card.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide an easilytransportable card which is difficult to counterfeit.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with any accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained hereinconstitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view of a smart card of the instant inventionincorporating a smart chip;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the card reader;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a data module with various connection optionswhich is utilized to transmit the data to various devices;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cut away view of the card reader illustrating thelocation of the different read devices;

FIG. 5 is a view of the top portion of the card reader; and

FIG. 6 is a view of the bottom portion of the card reader;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention comprises a system which utilizes cards, such asSmart Cards 10, which contain a microprocessor chip 12 or a similarinformation storage medium and a wireless device for communication witha card reader. While a smart card is illustrated as a preferredembodiment, any type of card which can be programmed or contain softwarecould be employed. These Smart Cards are approximately the same size asconventional bank credit or debit cards. However, they can be made inany size to meet the specific needs of the customer. The Smart Cardincorporates a microprocessor chip with a memory following ISO 7816 and14443 standards. The memory size of a typical microprocessor chip is256K. This allows for the encryption of transmitted data. Thisencryption also permits a high level of security of the data containedon the chip. The large memory permits a large amount of data to bestored on the chip 12, as compared to magstripe cards which can onlystore 384 bytes of data. Information is retrieved from the Smart Card bythe use of a card reader. The card reader is designed to communicatewith the Smart Card chip or similar information storage device andprovide the information stored on the chip 12 to a user in a readilyaccessible form. The card reader can be either a “contact” or“contactless” type. A contact type of card reader requires that thesmart card be placed in contact with the card reader. The informationstored on the chip 12 can then be transferred to the card reader. Acontactless type of card reader requires that the smart card be held inproximity to the card reader. The information stored on the chip 12 canthen be transferred to the card reader. The distance at which the smartcard must be held to the card reader to permit transfer of data variesdepending on the capabilities of the card reader.

Preferably the smart card reader is a Mag-Smart card reader, asdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/683,208, filed Mar. 7,2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. The smart card isinserted into the card reader at slot 16 at one end of the reader. Theupper portion of a Mag-Smart reader contains at least two differentinput devices on the outer surface thereon. As illustrated in FIG. 2 abiometric pick-up or device 18 for measuring the biometric of auser/player and a numerical key pad 20 are located on the outer surfaceof Mag-Smart card reader 14. The biometric device 18 in the preferredembodiment is a fingerprint detector. However, detectors for otherbiometric properties could also be employed, such as hand scans, facescans, eye or retinal scans, voice detection, etc., to identify theuser/player. The numerical key pad 20 is used to enter alphanumeric datainto the card reader. The key pad can be used to enter a player's PINnumber or other identification number. A connector 22, located at an endof the card reader, is constructed to be coupled to connector 24 on thedata module 26. Data from the card reader 14 is transferred throughconnectors 22 and 24 to the data module 26. From the data module thedata can be sent to various other locations as will be explainedhereinafter.

The interior of the Mag-Smart reader 14 is illustrated in FIG. 4. Thereare different sensors in different areas of the reader which pick upinformation from different types of cards. For example, if theinformation is stored on a magnetic strip as it is on many credit/debitcards in the U.S. the magstripe head 28 in the upper portion of thereader would read the information. If the information is stored in theform of a bar code then the bar code reader 30 in the lower portion ofthe reader would read the information. It the information is stored in aSmart Card chip then the smart card chip reader 32 would read theinformation. If the information is stored utilizing Mifare technologythen a Mifare proximity reader 34 would read the information. If theinformation is stored utilizing Wiegand technology then a Wiegand reader36 would read the information. A biometrics reader 38 would be able toread any biometric information stored on the card. In addition, if theinformation was stored on a single card utilizing different storageforms, for example magnetic stripe and smart card chip, the reader wouldbe able to read all the information stored in all the different forms.

Once the information is retrieved from the card 10 it is conveyed to thedata module 26, illustrated in FIG. 3, via connections 22 and 24. Thedata module 26 has a plurality of different output connectors whichenable data from the Mag-Smart reader 14 to be sent to various differentdevices such as a computer, a laptop computer, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, etc. The various outputconnectors include a USB connector 40, a serial port connector 42, a RS232/485 connector 44. Connector 46 enables a connection to a modem, suchas those employed in conjunction with a public telephone system, for thetransfer of data. Connector 48 enables a connection to networks, such aslocal area networks or wide area networks. This connector also enablesconnection to the Internet, thus enabling data to be transmitted via theInternet to almost any location on the earth. Connector 50 is a wirelessBluetooth communications connection. For example, utilizing the USBconnection the data could be sent to a PDA or a cellular telephone.Utilizing the other connections the information could be sent to a localarea network, a wide area network, the Internet, a cellular or satellitephone, etc.

The smart card and reader may be a stand along device, as shown in FIGS.5 and 6, or mounted to another device such as a slot machine, on-linegaming devices (slots, roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat,caribbean poker), video poker machine, bingo machine, lottery machine,keno, fantasy sports games, wireless gaming devices, or table games. Thecard reader can be attached to a gaming device to replace or work inparallel with the mechanism which normally accepts chips or tokens. Thecard reader can also communicate on-line or wirelessly with a gamingdevice or system used to place bets or wagers. Software placed on thesmart card enables a user/player to place bets on-line or wirelesslywithout having to reveal their credit card or financial institutioninformation. One form of authorization for on-line or wireless gamingutilizes an authorization number or code provided in the smart card.Once a connection is established between the smart card and the gamingdevice or system used to place bets or wagers, the player places theirbet on the gaming device or system and the appropriate amount of monies,chips or credit is withdrawn from the smart card and transferred to thegaming device or system. This enables the player to travel around acasino without carrying a large amount of chips. This also enables aplayer to leave the casino and return to their room if they want to dosome on-line or wireless gaming.

The smart card and reader may be used to purchase chips or credit in acasino when provided with the appropriate software. The smart card isrechargeable and redeemable. Once a user/player obtains a card they canuse it wherever it is accepted. They do not have to cash in theirwinnings and risk transporting them to a different location or home. Ifthe smart card is linked to their bank account, the winnings can bedirectly deposited in their bank account without any risk of loss ordelay. Funds can also be withdrawn from their bank account. If the cardis lost, only the amount of money or chips remaining on the card arelost. If someone hacks into an on-line game or system only the monies onthe card will be lost. Since access of the card is protected bybiometric identification of the user/player, the user/player need notworry that someone else could access their bank account or otheraccounts linked to the card.

The smart card and reader can also be used to reward a user/player byproviding them with complimentary amenities, loyalty points, loyaltyvalues, etc. A casino will normally have a database containinginformation on players registered with that casino. This database maycontain the following information: hold percentage, complimentary awardrate, complimentary award limits, game eligibility (lockout), and otherinformation.

Hold percentage would normally be in a range of high, medium or low. Alow hold percentage benefits the player. If the casino wants to reward a“premium player” (those players with a high player rating) the player isassigned a low hold percentage so they will continue to gamble at thatparticular casino.

Complimentary award rates indicate how often a player should receivecomplimentary amenities. Complimentary award limits indicate the maximumnumber or volume of complimentary amenities each player should receivein a given time period (e.g. per night).

Game eligibility indicates if a player is qualified to play certaingames. For example, a casino may reserve certain machines for its mostfrequent players.

The other information contained in the database could represent othervariables that can be modified to customize a game so that a playermaintains interest. For example, the number of player award pointsaccumulated during a certain period of time could be increased by amultiplier to stimulate the player's interest in the game. The player'sgambling history can be stored in this database so that a customizedcomplimentary awards program could be developed for individual players.The information contained in the database could be restricted so thatthe player could view certain information such as chip balance, creditavailable, complimentary awards while the casino could view all theinformation. The viewing authorization would be contained within theplayer's card so that unauthorized individuals could not view thisinformation.

Utilizing appropriate software the card reader and smart cards couldalso be employed for point of sale (POS) commercial applications such ascasinos, hotels, retail sales, gas stations, parking garages, etc. Thesesmart cards could also be utilized in a manner similar to credit/debitcards. They could be used to pay for hotel rooms, parking, dining,recreation, transportation, entertainment, merchandise, etc. In additionmonies could be transferred to or from the smart card to an authorizedfinancial institution including the bank at a casino, hotel or otherestablishment. Information regarding the financial transaction can bedisplayed on a screen located on the card reader. The card reader cancommunicate with other devices, such as a computer, a laptop computer ora PDA and display the information regarding the transaction on thesedevices. These other devices may be in communication with printers orother devices which can provide a hard copy of the information should itbe required.

The encryption feature of the microchip on the smart card can be used togain access to a locked door, as in a hotel, or other secured areas. Itcan also be used to gain access to locked objects such as automobiles,etc.

Lottery ticket machines could be provided with Smart Card readersthereby eliminating the need of an employee, of the store selling theLottery tickets, to operate the Lottery ticket machine and acceptpayment for the ticket.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention.

1. A gaming system comprising: an account card, said account cardstoring personal information and biometric data of an individual; aninput device, said input device including a card reader for receivingsaid account card and accessing said personal information and saidbiometric data on said account card, said input device also including abiometric reader for receiving biometric data from an individual; andmeans associated with said account card for comparing said biometricdata stored on said account card with said biometric data entered intosaid input device to determine if access to said personal information onsaid account card should be granted.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid personal information includes complimentary amenities.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said gaming unit is at least one of a slot,roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat, caribbean-poker, videopoker, bingo, lottery, keno, fantasy sports game, and wireless gamingdevice.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said personal informationincludes access to a financial institution whereby said individual canuse said account card to gain access to an authorized account topurchase items or pay for services.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid personal information is a combination selected from the groupconsisting of an authorization number used to approve play at saidgaming unit, a Personal Identification Number, a transaction number thatis used for all games of chance initiated using the account card, playeridentification information, player tracking information, a encryptedcombination used by a door access device to unlock a door, complimentaryamenities, an authorization number that is used to authorize wirelessgaming, an authorization number that is used to authorize sportswagering, an authorization number that is used to authorize fantasysports wagering.
 6. In a gaming system comprising, a method of providingaccess to a gaming device, said method comprising: establishingcommunications with said gaming device utilizing an account card, saidaccount card storing personal information and biometric data of anindividual; accessing said personal information and said biometric dataon said account card utilizing an input device, said input deviceincluding a card reader for receiving said account card and accessingsaid personal information and said biometric data on said account card,said input device also including a biometric reader for accessingbiometric data from an individual; and comparing said biometric datastored on said account card with said biometric data entered into saidinput device utilizing means on said account card to determine if accessto said personal information on said account card should be granted. 7.The method of claim 6, including placing complimentary amenities in saidpersonal information.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein said gaming unitis at least one of a slot, roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat,Caribbean poker, video poker, bingo, lottery, keno, fantasy sports game,and wireless gaming device.
 9. The method of claim 6, includingproviding access to a financial institution whereby said individual canuse said account card to access an authorized account to purchase itemsor pay for services.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein said personalinformation is a combination selected from the group consisting of anauthorization number used to approve play at said gaming unit, aPersonal Identification Number, a transaction number that is used forall games of chance initiated using the account card, playeridentification information, player tracking information, a encryptedcombination used by a door access device to unlock a door, complimentaryamenities, an authorization number that is used to authorize wirelessgaming, an authorization number that is used to authorize sportswagering, an authorization number that is used to authorize fantasysports wagering.
 11. A method of issuing an authentication instrumentfor granting gaming privileges comprising: establishing communicationswith a gaming device utilizing an authentication instrument, saidauthentication instrument storing personal information and biometricdata of an individual; accessing said personal information and saidbiometric data on said authentication instrument utilizing an inputdevice, said input device including a card reader for receiving saidauthentication instrument and accessing said personal information andsaid biometric data on said authentication instrument, said input devicealso including a biometric reader for accessing biometric data from anindividual; and comparing said biometric data stored on saidauthentication instrument with said biometric data entered into saidinput device utilizing means on said authentication instrument todetermine if access to said personal information on said account cardshould be granted.
 12. The method of claim 11 including utilizing saidauthentication instrument to gain access to a locked door.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, including configuring said authentication instrumentto grant specific gaming privileges.
 14. The method of claim 11,including placing complimentary amenities in said personal information.15. The method of claim 11, wherein said gaming device is at least oneof a slot, roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat, caribbean poker,video poker, bingo, lottery, keno, fantasy sports game, and wirelessgaming device.
 16. The method of claim 11, including providing access toa financial institution whereby said individual can use said accountcard to access an authorized account to purchase items or pay forservices.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein said personal informationis a combination selected from the group consisting of an authorizationnumber used to approve play at said gaming unit, a PersonalIdentification Number, a transaction number that is used for all gamesof chance initiated using the account card, player identificationinformation, player tracking information, a encrypted combination usedby a door access device to unlock a door, complimentary amenities, anauthorization number that is used to authorize wireless gaming, anauthorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering, anauthorization number that is used to authorize fantasy sports wagering.